Antigua and Barbuda will celebrate its 44th Independence Day by honoring twelve distinguished citizens for their exceptional contributions to national development. The ceremony, set to take place at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, will include the knighting of five individuals for their outstanding service. The event, scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., is part of the broader Independence Parade and Food Fair, which also features National Dress Day and a vibrant food fair. Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications, emphasized that the national honors symbolize the nation’s gratitude toward its citizens for their dedication to education, community service, nursing, artistic and cultural development, and youth empowerment. The festivities mark the country’s 44-year journey of resilience and nation-building since gaining independence in 1981, showcasing the collective spirit and progress of Antigua and Barbuda.
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Preparations underway for ‘Market Day with a Difference’ as independence anniversary celebrations continue
The Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA) is gearing up to host its annual “Market Day with a Difference” on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in honor of Dominica’s 47th Anniversary of Independence. The event, themed “47 Years of Progress and Purpose,” will be held at the Roseau Market, commencing with an official opening ceremony at 8:00 a.m. The ceremony will be graced by high-profile attendees, including Their Excellencies Mrs. Sylvanie Burton and Mr. Burton, and Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit. Government officials and invited guests will embark on a guided tour of the market, interacting directly with vendors and patrons.
A key feature of the celebration will be the recognition of farmers, vendors, and fisherfolk for their significant contributions to the development of the Roseau Market and Fish Market. Awards will be distributed across various categories such as Best Dressed Vendor, Best Decorated Stall, Best Butcher, Best Mobile Vendor, Most Outstanding Vendor/Farmer, Best Traditional Food Vendor, Fisherfolk with the Highest Catch, and Most Consistent Fish Supplier.
The event aims to highlight the dedication and resilience of Dominica’s agricultural and fisheries communities, whose efforts are crucial to national development. Attendees can look forward to vibrant displays of fresh produce, meats, and locally crafted goods, along with a mini-expo showcasing Dominican-made products available for purchase.
Cultural performances will enhance the festive atmosphere, featuring bouyon artists Quan and Trixx, drumming ensemble Veteran 7, the Patriotic Dancers, and cadence-lypso artist Lobster. Remarks will be delivered by the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy, alongside Prime Minister Skerrit.
DEXIA and the Roseau Market Authority are urging all participants to don traditional creole attire and decorate their vending spaces. The public is warmly invited to attend and partake in the activities, making it a truly communal celebration of Dominica’s independence and cultural heritage.
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Noah Lyles donates essential supplies to Junelle Bromfield’s hurricane-hit hometown
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, US Olympian Noah Lyles, alongside his Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation, has extended a helping hand to the hurricane-ravaged community of Georges Valley in St Elizabeth, Jamaica. This initiative was particularly poignant as it targeted the hometown of Lyles’ fiancé, Junelle Bromfield, a fellow track and field athlete. The donation, comprising essential groceries and toiletries, was facilitated by retired Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell and his wife Alyshia, who were instrumental in packing and distributing the supplies. Powell, in a heartfelt video shared on his social media, emphasized the dire need for collective action, stating, ‘People are really suffering, as much as I can help, I will help.’ He further highlighted the importance of unity in these trying times, ‘The more people come together is the more people we can feed.’ Adding to the chorus of support, Orlando Bennett, a silver medalist in the 110m hurdles, also lent his voice to the cause, urging others to contribute to the relief efforts if possible. Bromfield, reflecting on her deep-rooted connection to the community, shared a video message expressing her desire to give back to the place that had supported her throughout her athletic journey. ‘The community was always helping me out, whether it was in high school to go to Penn Relays, they raised money, taking me to school for free… So I really wanted to give back,’ she said. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that recently struck the southwest of Jamaica, has left St Elizabeth and its neighboring parishes in dire need of assistance. This collaborative effort by Lyles, Bromfield, Powell, and Bennett serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for others to join in the recovery efforts.
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Golding urges equitable recovery support after touring flood-ravaged St Elizabeth
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Mark Golding, the Leader of the Opposition, embarked on a comprehensive tour of St Elizabeth on Saturday to evaluate the extensive damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa. Accompanied by local officials and emergency personnel, Golding visited both the north-eastern and south-western regions of the parish to gain firsthand insights into the destruction and to engage with affected residents. The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Air Wing facilitated a courtesy flight, enabling Golding to survey the devastation from the air. The delegation landed at STETHS, where they were greeted by MP Zuleika Jess and Councillor Donovan Pagon, marking the beginning of their ground assessments. In Elim, Golding witnessed severe flooding and widespread damage to homes and farmlands. The Sydney Pagon STEM Academy’s agriculture department suffered significant losses, with all livestock destroyed. Later, Golding met with PNP Caretaker Miranda Wellington in Independence Park to inspect affected areas. He also visited critical institutions such as the Black River Police Station and Fire Department, where Assistant Superintendent Mark Edwards detailed the damage to their equipment, including a fire truck submerged up to its bonnet. During his visit, Golding held discussions with Police Commissioner Kevin Blake, Superintendent Minto, and Courtney King from CDEMA to address ongoing recovery challenges. ‘The devastation here is heartbreaking. People have lost homes, crops, and livelihoods. But I’ve also seen remarkable resilience among residents and first responders. They need immediate assistance, not promises,’ Golding remarked. He emphasized the urgency of equitable resource distribution, calling for national unity and swift action to aid recovery efforts.
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Ras Mista Fyah eyes Grammy glory with ‘Infinity’
Colombian roots-reggae artist Ras Mista Fyah has been on a whirlwind promotional tour since the release of his latest album, *Infinity*, in August. Based in Miami, the Bogota-born singer has engaged with fans and media alike, while also performing alongside roots-reggae icon Mykal Rose. These experiences have fueled his ambition to perform in Jamaica, the birthplace of reggae music. ‘Mi got a dream one day! Mi not going to Jamaica like a regular guest or visitor. I’m gonna be there with my whole family and people, and all di world gonna listen that my life is reggae music,’ he shared with *Observer Online*.
Growing up in Colombia, Ras Mista Fyah was deeply influenced by reggae legends such as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, and Gregory Isaacs. His album *Infinity*, produced by Argentina’s Fela Roland, stands out as his most authentic roots-reggae work to date. The album features collaborations with renowned musicians like Bernard ‘Touter’ Harvey, keyboardist for Inner Circle, and bass guitarist Dennis Burt, known for his work with Garnet Silk and Buju Banton.
*Infinity* is now under consideration for a Best Reggae Album Grammy nomination, a milestone Ras Mista Fyah describes as a pivotal moment in his career. ‘Just to be considered for a Grammy nomination is an important part in my life and RMF (Ras Mista Fyah) reggae music! It took years of hard work and dedication, and I am grateful for the love and support of all the people,’ he expressed. The Recording Academy will unveil the official nominations for the 68th Grammy Awards on November 7 in Los Angeles.
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#MelissaAftermath: Field hospital to be deployed to Black River, says Tufton
In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on St Elizabeth, Jamaica, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Christopher Tufton has announced the deployment of a field hospital to Black River within 24 hours. The initiative aims to restore critical health services disrupted by the hurricane. The field hospital, equipped with an operating theatre, diagnostic tools, and medical staff, will be set up by the non-governmental organization Samaritan’s Purse in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and other government agencies. Dr. Tufton emphasized that the facility will provide immediate support while assessments of the damaged Black River Hospital are conducted. Additionally, another field hospital is expected from Spain, with ongoing discussions to establish more facilities in Trelawny and Westmoreland through partnerships with Canada and India. The minister highlighted the need for psychological support for traumatized health workers and called for increased blood donations to address the surge in trauma and emergency cases. Over 200 health workers will also participate in a nationwide clean-up effort to assist hospitals in the most affected areas. Restoration of primary health facilities across the island is anticipated within the next week.
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#MelissaAftermath: JN Bank, JN Money roll out waivers, discounts to customers
In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the JN Group has unveiled a series of robust support measures aimed at aiding its members and the broader community in Jamaica. Through its subsidiaries, JN Bank and JN Money Services, the group is offering a range of financial relief options, including loan discounts, moratoria, and fee waivers, to assist those most severely impacted by the disaster.
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Cayman Islands blood bank sends donation to Jamaica
In a remarkable display of regional solidarity, the Cayman Islands Blood Bank has dispatched a vital shipment of 51 units of red cells and 72 units of plasma to Jamaica’s National Blood Transfusion Service. This donation, facilitated by the Health Services Authority (HSA), marks the first of several planned contributions to aid Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The initiative was spurred by an overwhelming public response, with 65 donors—including 13 first-time contributors—stepping forward to meet an urgent call for blood. This surge in donations far exceeds the usual daily average of fewer than 10 units, highlighting the community’s generosity. Dr. Lundie Richards, a consultant haematologist-oncologist at the HSA, praised the effort, describing it as a testament to humanity’s capacity for compassion. The HSA emphasized that this donation is part of a broader strategy to enhance regional health collaboration and emergency preparedness. Lizzette Yearwood, CEO of the HSA, lauded the initiative as lifesaving and urged continued donor participation, noting that blood has a limited shelf life of 35 days. Cayman Islands Health Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks also commended the donors, encouraging eligible individuals to contribute to both regional and local blood supplies. The Cayman Islands Blood Bank, which offers comprehensive blood-banking services, has also expanded its platelet availability and transfusion-medicine capabilities. Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has called for public blood donations as soon as conditions permit, following disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa.
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Dexter Ali takes on 80-mile sea-to-sea run across Trinidad
Endurance athlete Dexter Ali is set to undertake one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most demanding solo runs, the ‘Sea-to-Sea’ challenge, starting from the Sea Wall in Galeota and concluding at Teteron Barracks in Chaguaramas. The 55-year-old businessman and multi-sport competitor will cover approximately 80 miles (130km) — equivalent to more than three marathon distances — in a test of physical and mental stamina. The run, which began on November 1, is expected to conclude the following day. Ali’s coach, Derrick Simon, described the endeavor as a ‘personal challenge’ inspired by Ali’s recent birthday. Ali, who trains with Simon’s Pace Performance Factory, has spent months preparing for this grueling feat. His training regimen included multiple long-distance runs around the Queen’s Park Savannah, sometimes completing 24 laps (57.2 miles) in a single session. Simon, a national middle- and long-distance coach, noted that Ali’s training plan required innovative thinking due to its unique demands. The preparation also focused on hydration, fatigue management, and sleep deprivation, with Ali often running double sessions to simulate the challenges of the event. To ensure success, Simon and Ali drove the entire route to strategize terrain navigation. While Ali will run solo, he will receive intermittent support from fellow runners, a vehicle crew, family members, and a police escort. Simon emphasized that Ali’s safety remains a priority, and the attempt will be halted if his well-being is compromised. This monumental effort is not only a personal achievement for Ali but also a significant milestone for Caribbean endurance sports.
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#MelissaAftermath: Tufton says teams accessing reports of dead bodies in remote areas
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has announced a coordinated effort involving environmental health teams, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and other agencies to address critical issues in remote communities. Reports of deceased individuals and animals stranded in isolated areas have prompted urgent action. Dr. Tufton emphasized that while access to some regions remains challenging due to damaged roadways, progress is being made. ‘With improved communication, cleared roads, and enhanced mobility, we are now able to target specific areas and collaborate with authorities to secure others,’ he stated during a press briefing on Saturday. The minister highlighted the challenges of reaching marooned bodies and ensuring proper disposal of animal carcasses, noting that the JDF is providing air support to access affected zones. Additionally, Dr. Tufton mentioned that injured individuals, such as a man who suffered a broken leg and waited three days for medical attention, are being assisted. While official death toll figures are pending, the current count stands at 19, with updates expected from the Minister of Information, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, once police reports are finalized.